Energy Sector and Cybersecurity discussion, computer science homework help

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Please read Energy Cybersecurity Issue.docx (See attached). As you can see this article was published in early 2012 and it deals with issues associated with the Energy Sector. The article claims that since 2009 the Energy Sector has not improved its Cybersecurity Programs with money that was given to it by the Federal Government.

Do some research on your own and try and find related articles or issues concerning security concerns regarding the Energy Sector. Based on your research what are some of the continuing concerns and what is the impact if a cyber attack is launched against the Energy Sector. Do you think that type of attack would have a significant impact or is our infrastructure robust enough to withstand an attack? What recommendations would you make if you were a Cyber Analyst giving your opinion to Congress?

Remember to cite your sources!

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Watchdog finds cybersecurity 'shortcomings' with stimulus-backed power grid program Published February 04, 2012 | FoxNews.com A multibillion-dollar stimulus push to modernize the nation's power grid is raising cybersecurity concerns, as the Department of Energy's official watchdog reports that dozens of grant recipients came to the table with inadequate security plans. The finding comes amid new warnings about cybersecurity threats, and a rash of international cyber attacks. The power grid program in question is in the Energy Department, and received a $3.5 billion infusion in the 2009 stimulus package. That money was awarded to 99 recipients, with individual grants ranging up to $200 million. In a January report, the inspector general for the Energy Department found "shortcomings" in those recipients' cybersecurity plans. Though the projects are still being developed, the report noted that "existing gaps ... could allow system compromise before controls are implemented." In one instance, the report said an unnamed recipient had never conducted a "formal risk assessment" -- without which, "threats and weaknesses may go unidentified and expose the recipient's systems to an unacceptable level of risk." The IG report said 36 of the 99 cybersecurity plans were "lacking" in at least one area. Though the Energy Department told the recipients to update their plans, the report found "the initial weaknesses had not always been addressed." The report did not detail where exactly each company ran afoul of the guidelines, but said the cybersecurity plans are supposed to show how the recipients would prevent, detect and respond to security problems. The inspector general's office found three of the five cybersecurity plans it reviewed were "incomplete" and did not always explain how their security controls would be carried out. The office blamed that and other concerns in part on the rush to implement the program. "The issues we found were due, in part, to the accelerated planning, development, and deployment approach adopted by the Department for the SGIG program," the report said. "We also found that the Department was so focused on quickly disbursing Recovery Act funds that it had not ensured personnel received adequate grants management training." The Energy Department has vowed to address the problem, in part by having experts review the cyber plans and recommend changes after making annual site visits. In a November letter to the inspector general's office, Energy Assistant Secretary Patricia Hoffman said the grid office wants to "ensure that recipients do not place the power system at risk." She said the office would make sure cybersecurity plans "are complete and are being implemented properly," and said grant recipients will be required to update their plans no later than April 30. Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/02/04/watchdog-findscybersecurity-shortcomings-with-stimulus-backed-power-grid/#ixzz1mdwtq0Qm
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Attached.

Preserving the integrity of America’s Energy Sector - Outline
Thesis Statement: The evolving nature of technology is exposing the growth of the energy
sector to potentially significant risks.
I. Introduction
The modernization of the power grid in the USA
II. Discussion
Hiring the contractors; security thresholds and ICT system sanctities
Analyzing whether the contracted systems can withstand attacks
III. Conclusion
Reiterating the thesis and giving a reasoned


Running head: ENERGY SECTOR AND CYBERSECURITY

Preserving the integrity of America’s Energy Sector
Name
Institution

1

ENERGY SECTOR AND CYBERSECURITY

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Preserving the integrity of America’s Energy Sector
The ripples of the technological innovation are being felt even in the energy generation
sector. In the energy sector of the United States of America, the digitization of the electric grid is
a process that has been ongoing for the better part of the last decade. The main challenge that
faces the energy sector in cybersecurity is the framework. There needs to be a system to improve
the resilience of the infrastructure and also adequate response mechanisms to actual breaches of
the security.
The energy regulatory authority of the United States chose to sub-contract the process
amongst many building agencies. The process began in t...


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